Our History

ProvPort History Timeline

1994

ProvPort is created as a non-profit, public-private partnership. ProvPort purchases the Port from the City of Providence for $16.5 million.

2000

Cargo volume reaches 750,000 tons annually; Investments are made in expansion of equipment and stevedoring.

2001

Approximately $500,000 is invested to expand port security.

2007

Cargo volume tops 2.5 million tons, and ProvPort hires Waterson Terminal Services to manage ProvPort operations.

2008

Cargo exceeded 3.1 million tons - 2nd busiest port after Boston in New England.

2012

Partnered with RI Commerce Corporation as Grantees of the USDOT/MARAD Tiger 2 Grant for the purchase of two new mobile harbor cranes and crane barge.

2013

Two mobile harbor cranes delivered to ProvPort.

2015

Port expansion through lot 288 lease, twelve acres added to port facility footprint.

2016

Crane barge construction completion and delivery from Conrad Shipyard in Louisiana.

In June, the RI General Assembly supported placing a $20 million bond question on the ballot that would support the expansion of ProvPort.

In November, voters overwhelming supported the bond question. ProvPort, the RI Commerce Corporation and the City of Providence are currently developing an expansion plan.

2017

Closure of the historic City of Providence Landfill and renovations to Lot 288 for green access (Urban Coastal Greenway) and public use along with Port improvements

2018

WTS expansion as licensed stevedores for the Ports of New Bedford and Davisville, RI

2019

ProvPort’s Terminal Manager, WTS completes certification into the Green Marine Environmental Program

2021

State of RI buys 6.3 acres of voter approved property enabling ProvPort facility expansion

Orsted announces lease agreement with ProvPort, establishes offshore wind foundation component manufacturing facility

2022

WTS successful Green Marine recertification

Dutch subsea cable firm WIND signs long term agreement with WTS